BOILING SPRING LAKES—Every day, firefighters are asked to put themselves in harm’s way to protect citizens. Some are paid for their heroic acts, and others are volunteers. Regardless, they always put others first.

On April 21, a car accident drastically changed the life of one of Brunswick County’s volunteer firemen.

SHALLOTTE—A newly renovated bocce ball court is ready for players behind the Shallotte Senior Center. A grand-opening ceremony and tournament will officially kick off the court’s presence in the community on June 1 at 9 a.m.

For Bob Cozzi the renovation of the bocce ball court became more than a project; it became a passion.

“When I lived in New Jersey, I played a lot,” said Cozzi, who moved to the area 10 years ago. “It all started last May when Khrystye (Haselden) called me from parks and

The Shallotte Police Department investigated the following incidents and made the following arrests last week. All information is taken directly from police incident and arrest reports.

•Alicesha Elizabeth Nye, 23, of 4377 Mary St., Shallotte, was arrested for trespassing and failure to appear after being caught shoplifting at Walmart; Nye had a warrant for first-degree trespassing and was charged with trespassing again because she was told not to come on Walmart property.

BOLIVIA— In an effort to combat rising healthcare costs and to take advantage of the county’s wellness program, Brunswick County Commissioners switched to a self-insured plan for employee healthcare coverage.

Brunswick County Human Resources Director Debbie Barnes told commissioners to keep their current plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the county would have to absorb an $860,000 or 9.3 percent increase.

Commissioners OK’d the switch to self-insured at their May 16 meeting.

WILMINGTON—Brunswick County Commissioners were among the winners of the Historic Wilmington Foundation Annual Awards, announced last week in Wilmington.

George Edwards, executive director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, said Brunswick County Commissioners were honored with the preservation award for leadership for completing the county’s first comprehensive historic resources survey in Brunswick County.